Katsina police foil kidnapping attempt, rescue 10 victims

The Katsina State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued 10 victims, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq.

The statement, made available to journalists, highlighted the swift and coordinated efforts of the police in averting the incident.

Details of the operation and the condition of the rescued individuals were not immediately disclosed, but the command assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safety and security in the state.

According to the statement: “On 24 December 2024, at about 20:30 hrs, some suspected armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons and shooting sporadically, attacked a commercial vehicle at Kwanar Makera along the Katsina–Magama Jibia road in Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State, in an attempt to kidnap ten (10) occupants of the vehicle.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly led a team of operatives to the scene. The team engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully thwarted the kidnapping attempt, and rescued all ten (10) victims.

“Four (4) of the rescued victims sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the attack and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, two (2) of the victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as the investigation continues.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, psc(+), has commended the officers for their exceptional display of gallantry and dedication to duty. He has also urged them to sustain the tempo. Furthermore, the Commissioner has called on members of the public to provide useful information on suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station for prompt and decisive action.”